Seussical Show Director - Westonka Community Theatre - Westonka Community Education and Services at Westonka Public Schools in Minnetrista, MN

Job description

Westonka Community Theatre (WCT) is a growing non-profit collaborative production company based in the Westonka District and operating under Westonka Community Education. We are based in Minnetrista, MN, 20 minutes west of Minneapolis.The mission of WCT is to provide quality theatre experiences for residents of all ages and abilities. POSITION: Show Director for Seussical REPORTS TO: WCT Executive Committee through the Board Chair TIME: This is a project-based position for the duration of the production of Seussical the Musical. Production meetings start in December; auditions April 29th - May 1st; stage rehearsals begin June 7, 2027, rehearsals are Mondays through Thursdays 6-9 pm with extended time and days occasionally during tech week. Tech week is July 17-22, show dates July 23, 25, 30, 31, and August 1. The director is expected to attend at minimum opening night, closing afternoon, strike and a brush up rehearsal during the week between shows. A few public appearances will need to be planned for publicity. COMPENSATION: $3,500.00 Stipend The Director is responsible for the production process and shapes almost every aspect of the show. The Director collaborates with the Board Chair/Producer, Musical Director, other show staff (paid and volunteer) to ensure that the production is guided by the WCT mission and credo. The Director must be cognizant of achieving WCTs goals for community engagement, artistic strength, financial stability, fundraising and audience engagement. The Director provides a unifying understanding of the text and a particular vision for the production, leading production staff and the cast through the creative process of staging Seussical. The Director needs to be creative in casting and staging to use a cast of upwards of 70 people, including children, and still make everyone feel seen onstage. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Previous directing experience with either educational or community productions Knowledge of community theater programs and experience with all aspects of show production. Ability to work with volunteer community members of all ages and skill levels. Strong collaboration, communication, adaptability, and organizational skills. A deep understanding of the script, music, and a vision for the production. A commitment to work with a cast of all abilities. PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Foster a sense of community and belonging among all members of the production team, cast, crew, and orchestra. Respond to communication from the producer and staff in a timely fashion. Gain support and sign-off on a unifying vision for the show from the WCT Board Executive Committee. Articulate this vision to the production team, cast, and crew. With the WCT Board Chair and or the Producer plan, lead, and attend pre-production, production, & post-production meetings for planning and implementing the vision of the show. With the Music Director and Choreographer plan, lead, and attend auditions. Make casting decisions together. The producer will attend and advise on casting to give community perspective. Collaborate and guide in the development of scenic, technical, prop, and costume design with the production staff (paid and volunteer) such as Set Designer, Lighting and Sound Designers, Technical Director, and Costume Designer. Work with the Music Director, and Choreographer to effectively plan and execute a rehearsal schedule. Gain sign-off on the schedule from the WCT Board Chair. Guide the volunteer community members in the cast through the process of understanding their roles and lines, control and refine the pacing of scenes, and implement blocking and choreography. Collaborate with the Music Director and Choreographer to ensure blocking transitions and cast on stage requirements between musical and dance numbers are clearly planned and executed together. Ensure the Stage Manager can successfully take over running the show when it opens. Integrate them into all rehearsals and production meetings. Utilize